EconSearch Completed Project

Project: Evaluating the netting of apple orchards in the Adelaide Hills with the development of a business case tool for growers (2015)

Client: Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia Inc

Collaborators: Natural Logic (Australia) Pty Ltd

Summary: The Apple and Pear Growers Association SA commissioned Natural Logic Pty Ltd and EconSearch to develop a tool for it members in the Adelaide Hills to assess the financial viability of permanently netting individual blocks of production and to develop a business case template that growers can use to access finance for netting. Expected benefits of netting are increased yield and quality of fruit resulting from reduced heat and water stress, sunburn, bird damage, hail damage and scarring from wind rub.

The financial analysis tool and business case template were presented to members at an APGASA workshop in Lenswood on 23 September 2015 and is available for download by members via the APGASA website. The project was funded by the Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Board.

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